System and method for implementing suppression for asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) adaptation layer 2 (AAL2) traffic in a communications environment

Abstract

A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of cells associated with a communications flow and determining whether one or more of the cells included in the flow should be suppressed. In specific embodiments, the method further includes suppressing a selected one or more of the cells associated with asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) adaptation layer 2 (AAL2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates in general to the field of communications and, more particularly, to a system and a method for implementing suppression for asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) adaptation layer 2 (AAL2) traffic in a communications environment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Communication systems and architectures have become increasingly important in today's society. One aspect of communications relates to maximizing bandwidth and minimizing delays associated with data and information exchanges. Many architectures for effectuating proper data exchanges can add significant overhead and cost in order to accommodate a large number of end-users or data streams. For example, a large number of T1 / E1 lines may be implemented to accommodate heavy traffic, but such lines are generally expensive and, thus, usage of each one should be maximized (to the extent that it is possible) in order to achieve a system benefit per-unit of cost. [0003]...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a need has arisen for an improved suppression approach that optimizes data exchanges in a communications environment. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system and a method for providing protocols for suppressing data are provided that substantially eliminate or greatly reduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional compression / suppression techniques.

[0007] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a communications approach is provided that enhances bandwidth parameters for a given architecture. This is a result of the suppression scheme, which yields bandwidth gains by recognizing a given input bit stream as a candidate for suppression. Subsequently, the bit pattern is not transmitted over the backhaul, whereby the suppressed data can be simply played out or restored on the other end of the link.

[0008] Furthermore, the bandwidth savings provided by the present invention can be produced without any increase in the complexity of multiplexing and demultiplexing schemes. Such an upgrade or enhancement may be provided to an existing system with minimal effort. A simple algorithm may be used to leverage infrastructure already in place. Thus, a complete system overhaul is not necessary. Such advantages may be particularly beneficial to service providers, as effective compression protocols significantly reduce their operating expenditures.

[0009] Note also that such an enhancement is flexible in that it can be extended to include a multitude of compressible, common, repetitive patterns. Thus, such a solution can be easily extended to signaling and packet data channels. This further allows such a configuration to accommodate a wide range of incoming flows, as it may be applicable to a number of different types of traffic arrangements. Additionally, minimal overhead is incurred as a result of the operations of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

Many architectures for effectuating proper data exchanges can add significant overhead and cost in order to accommodate a large number of end-users or data streams.

For example, a large number of T1 / E1 lines may be implemented to accommodate heavy traffic, but such lines are generally expensive and, thus, usage of each one should be maximized (to the extent that it is possible) in order to achieve a system benefit per-unit of cost.

However, many of the existing compression / suppression protocols are deficient because they are static, unresponsive, and rigid.

Moreover, many such systems add overhead to the system, while not yielding a sufficient offsetting bandwidth gain.

Accordingly, the ability to provide a communications system that consumes few resources, optimizes bandwidth, and achieves minimal delay presents a significant challenge for network operators, service providers, and system administrators.

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